dileenthompson 
Layers of thick, tangy Greek yogurt infused with fresh herbs, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and a crunchy, savory granola. A perfect balance of cool, creamy, and crisp textures.
Yields: 2 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)
Cook time: 0 minutes
Serving time: Immediate
Ingredients
For the Savory Yogurt Base:
- 1 ½ cups full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives or mint
- ½ small garlic clove, minced or grated (optional)
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Savory Granola Crunch:
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- 1 tsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
For the Layering & Toppings:
- ½ cup finely diced English cucumber
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Savory Granola (Can be done ahead):
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small bowl, combine the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, everything seasoning, oil, and soy sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
Spread the mixture on a small baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely. It will crisp up as it cools.
2. Prepare the Herbed Yogurt:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, chives, optional garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
3. Assemble the Parfaits:
Get two glasses (preferably clear to show the layers). Divide the components as follows:
* Bottom Layer: Spoon half of the herbed yogurt mixture into the bottom of each glass.
* Veggie Layer: Sprinkle a layer of diced cucumber and red onion over the yogurt.
* Cheese Layer: Add a layer of crumbled feta.
* Repeat: Top with the remaining herbed yogurt.
* The Grand Finale: Just before serving, add a generous layer of the savory granola crunch on top of each parfait.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Drizzle with a final thread of extra virgin olive oil, garnish with a sprig of fresh dill and a crack of black pepper.
Serve immediately to maintain the granola’s crunch. Alternatively, you can assemble the yogurt and veggie layers up to 4 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate, adding the granola crunch right before serving.
Chef’s Notes & Tips
- Yogurt Choice: Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best creamy texture and richness, but 2% will also work. For a tangier twist, use skyr.
- No-Bake Granola Option: If you don’t want to turn on the oven, simply toast the oats, seeds, and everything seasoning in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the oil and soy sauce. It will be less clumpy but just as flavorful.
- Make it a Meal: Add a soft-boiled or jammy boiled egg, chopped, on one of the layers for extra protein. Flaked smoked salmon would also be a luxurious addition.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The herbed yogurt and the savory granola can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store separately in airtight containers. Assemble the parfaits the morning you plan to eat them.
- Flavor Variations:
- Mediterranean: Add a layer of chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the yogurt or a dash of hot sauce between layers.
- Middle Eastern: Use za’atar instead of everything seasoning in the granola, and add a layer of chickpeas.
